DIRECTV NOW

AT&T's DIRECTV NOW is one of the most popular streaming services in its niche. But what is DIRECTV NOW? What is it good for, and how can you sign up for it?

DIRECTV NOW is a “skinny bundle” service, or live TV streaming service. That means that it delivers live network television to its subscribers over the internet. The goal is to beat cable at its own game: DIRECTV NOW lets you watch live TV wherever you are, and its bundle options include some slimmed-down channel packages that allow subscribers to pay far less for live TV than they would if they were dealing with a cable or satellite company.

Is DIRECTV NOW the right live TV solution for you? Well, that's not for us to say – but we can help guide you through the basics so that you can make your own informed decision. Below, we'll lay out everything you need to know about DIRECTV NOW. That includes what channels are on DIRECTV NOW, what devices you can use with DIRECTV NOW, how to sign up for and cancel DIRECTV NOW, and more.

What Channels are on DIRECTV NOW?

When you're deciding on a skinny bundle service, one question looms larger than all of the others: what channels can you get through this service? In the case of DIRECTV NOW, the answers are pretty impressive. DIRECTV NOW's bundle options range from truly skinny (“Live a Little” offers 65+ channels at a bargain price) to absolutely massive (“Gotta Have It!” features more than 125 channels).

DIRECTV NOW's channel lineup includes live local feeds of all four major networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC) in select local markets. You'll also get skinny bundle staples like AMC and ESPN. If you upgrade to at least the second tier of service (“Just Right”), you'll also have access to regional sports networks in some markets. You can add subscriptions to premium channels like HBO to any of the four base bundle options.

Here are some of DIRECTV NOW's channel highlights:

ABC

AMC

CBS

ESPN

Fox

NBC

NFL Network

Nickelodeon

TBS

TNT

There are many, many more channels available on DIRECTV NOW, of course. For the full accounting, check out our DIRECTV NOW channel list.

What Devices Can I Use to Watch DIRECTV NOW?

like DIRECTV NOW aim to make live TV more affordable and more convenient. The reason skinny bundles are convenient is that they allow users to stream content on all sorts of different devices and platforms. DIRECTV NOW has done a pretty good job of creating functional and user-friendly apps for the streaming platforms and devices that you care most about. Here is a list of the different devices that you can use to watch live TV online using DIRECTV NOW.

Streaming platforms and devices

Apple TV

Chromecast

Fire TV

Roku

Mobile devices

Android

iOS

Other

In-browser app (Mac, Windows, and more)

DIRECTV NOW running on iOS

That's a pretty healthy selection of devices that you can use to stream DIRECTV NOW. It is worth noting that, as of this writing, DIRECTV NOW does have an app for Android TV devices (including the Nvidia Shield). DIRECTV NOW also does not have an app for any major video game consoles. But those apps may come out later on, so check back with us for the latest.

How Much Does DIRECTV NOW Cost?

DIRECTV NOW and other skinny bundles are aiming to beat cable and satellite companies by offering a more affordable and more modern path to live TV. So how much more affordable than cable can DIRECTV NOW be? Depending on which bundle you choose, you could save quite a bit.

DIRECTV NOW's most affordable bundle, Live a Little, costs $40 per month. Just Right costs $55 per month, Go Big costs $65 per month, and Gotta Have It! costs $75 per month. DIRECTV NOW also offers a Spanish-language base bundle for $45 per month. You can add premium channels like HBO to your base bundle subscription. DIRECTV NOW currently offers lower prices on premium channel subscriptions than many of its competitors do.

Deals on DIRECTV NOW

DIRECTV NOW costs less than cable already, but that doesn't mean that you can't try to save even more. Keep your eye on Cordcutting.com for the latest news on deals and ways to save on DIRECTV NOW.

And, of course, there's one DIRECTV NOW promotion that runs all year round: the free trial offer.

Getting a DIRECTV NOW Free Trial

DIRECTV NOW is affordable already, but you can check it out before you spend even a penny on the service. DIRECTV NOW offers a free trial program that allows subscribers to use the service for a week risk-free. If you're not into it, you can just cancel before the end of your free trial period and walk away without paying anything at all.

DIRECTV NOW Contracts

DIRECTV NOW is a new kind of live TV service. Skinny bundles reject the idea of long-term contracts that lock in users for months at a time. With DIRECTV NOW, your subscription is always month-to-month. You'll simply pay once a month and then get DIRECTV NOW for the entirety of that month-long billing period; cancel at any time, and your subscription will end at the end of your current billing period (before your next payment, of course). If you don't cancel, the service just keeps renewing every month.

No more cable, no more contracts

How to Cancel DIRECTV NOW

Not feeling DIRECTV NOW right now? No problem: we can help you cancel the service.

To cancel DIRECTV NOW, just log into your account on DIRECTV NOW's website, click on your account avatar in the top-right corner, and then navigate to Manage My Plan > Cancel Plan. You'll find the “Cancel Plan” button at the bottom of the Manage My Plan page.

Your subscription will be cancelled effective at the end of your current billing period. That means you won't make any new payments, but you will get to keep any days of DIRECTV NOW service that you've already paid for. If you're cancelling a free trial before your first bill, then you will of course pay nothing at all.

Keep in mind that DIRECTV NOW will try not to let you start a new free trial if you've already had one, so reactivating your account will be a full-price proposition. Of course, skinny bundles have been known to try to woo back their ex-subscribers with one-off offers and free trial revivals, so keep an eye on your email inbox just in case.

All About DIRECTV NOW

Our coverage of DIRECTV NOW doesn't end here. We've covered just about every aspect of DIRECTV NOW here on Cordcutting.com. You'll find reviews, news, tips, how-tos, and more on our site, so click the links on this page or search our site for “DIRECTV NOW” to find more. Be sure to check out our coverage of DIRECTV NOW's competitors, too, as well as our coverage of on-demand streaming services, free over-the-air TV, and more!

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